CELTIC fans have been branded a fire risk by Partick Thistle and banned from sitting in Firhill’s wooden main stand next season.

The Jags have announced the Hoops support will be housed in the North Stand after consulting with police during the process of gaining a Safety Certificate for their return to the top-flight.

It’s believed three separate incidents of smoke bombs and flares being used by Celtic fans over the past three years proved the catalyst for the ban being put in place.

Thistle couldn’t afford to run the risk of housing fans in their wooden main stand who have a history of using flares as all reasonable precautions must be taken to ensure the safety certificate is approved.

Last season’s Glasgow Cup Final at Firhill was marred by scenes of trouble with flares and smoke bombs being let off by Celtic and Rangers supporters.

Thistle will now be forced to move their own support from the North Stand into the main stand and a club statement outlined the reasons for their actions.

It read: “The Police Football Intelligence Unit raised concerns as to the increased use of flares by sections of some away support, citing a number of incidents that have taken place over the last season.

“This, coupled with our own experiences of flares at Firhill over the last couple of seasons, meant that it is something we have to seriously consider as the consequences of incendiary devices in a wooden clad stand are there for all to see.

“The renewal of the Safety Certificate meant a strict segregation policy which banned Celtic supporters from the Main Stand was enforced.

“In essence this left the club with a fait accompli with regards moving our own fans.”